food stamp challenge

Day 4 of the Food Stamp Challenge - a new twist

Elizabeth Curtis — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:10:19 -0500

It's Day 4 of the Challenge, and I'm home sick from work today. I'm laying on the couch, bored, and thinking about what I can eat. I have about an hour before it would be reasonable to break into my lunchmeat, but, again, that oatmeal just didn't do it for me this morning. read more »

Food Stamp Challenge

Paola Ferrer — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:10:44 -0500

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, "Celiac Disease is one of the most common genetic conditions in the world." It is estimated that 1 out of every 133 Americans have this "multi-system, multi-symptom disorder [which is] activated by eating gluten." How does a celiac patient (or anyone else on a restrictive diet, for that matter) survive on food stamps? read more »

Food Stamp Challenge Day One

Meghan Keaney Anderson — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:00:32 -0500

Ok, here is my attempt to spend only $21 on groceries for the week -- the average benefit amount for individuals on Food Stamps in Massachusetts. Given the rising costs of food and basic needs, a number of us (18 participants right now) decided to try to participate in a Food Stamp Challenge. For more information on the challenge and why we're doing this now, see Paola's previous post. For coverage of my first day on the challenge, read on... read more »

Food Stampery: Prep & Day 1

George Cassie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:49:27 -0500

I'm trying the food stamp challenge as well. I had to make a few modifications to the amount, though. My wife agreed to try too, but only for dinner, and we can really only hit six-and-a-half days, due to some preexisting plans. Given that, I alloted $24.

I also added the rule that you can eat food you grew. In my case that only really amounts to a few tomatoes, a handful of chilies, and an acorn squash.

Here is a picture of the week's larder: read more »

Food vs. Credit Challenge

Donna Stiglmeier — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:42:08 -0500

Food Stamp Challenge: A daily log...

Pre-Challenge…prepping for the next seven days

Okay…at the suggestion of my co-worker, I went to a website to strategize about what I can get for $21…to create my shopping list. I decided to try to go with food I would eat normally…however, switching to non-organic and less expensive brands (and what is on sale) and then, minimizing portions. I am lactose intolerant and don’t eat a lot of carbs…so that also impacts my food choices. How long can I last? read more »

Food vs. Credit Challenge: Days 3 and 4

Donna Stiglmeier — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:50:30 -0500

Day 2 into Day 3 was really hard…light headed…energy level low. I can see the link between food insecurity and education/work performance. read more »

I hate oatmeal

Elizabeth Curtis — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:13:27 -0500

I'm on Day 3 of the $21 a week challenge - and I'm so glad my colleagues suggested we take on this experience. So far I'm not eating a lot less than I typically do, but I have experienced some challenges. First and foremost, let me explain the title of this post. I hate oatmeal. Ok, that's probably pretty straightforward. Last Friday in an attempt to budget out a plan for the week and get the most bang or my buck I spent about 2 hours planning my strategy. I quickly realized how expensive milk was and decided to think outside my Cheerios box for a breakfast alternative. read more »

Last days of the Food Stamp $21 Challenge

Donna Stiglmeier — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:44:44 -0500

Today was not a good day in the food/energy category. read more »